A fabulous new addition to the JY portfolio of destinations.
A brilliant tour manager in Patrick, who demonstrated his knowledge, affection and enthusiasm for S. America. His hard work into the development of this tour was obvious from the outset and provided as comprehensive a journey throughout Chile as is possible in a two-week timescale.
Chile is a country of contrasts in culture and landscape from North to South, with an incredible diverse range of scenery and climate.
The Atacama desert: moonlike but fascinating. Trips around this area offered magnificent views, climbing to altitudes above 4,000 metres, although the flamingos appeared to have gone on holiday, apart from one or two stay at home types! A visit to the el tatio geysers required an early rise at 5.a.m but was worth the trip, although I'd recommend closing your eyes for the drive along the "non-road!" When seen in daylight, glad I'd not seen it in headlights - take the chance for an extra hour of shut eye.
The Lake District: I suspect not as well known as the other areas but offers contrasting scenery not dissimilar to Wales in parts, although the volcanoes overlooking Lake Llanquihue are a bit of a clue that you're not in the UK.
Trips here again took in some beautiful contrasting scenery, with a gentle lake crossing to the small hamlet of Puella, from where it is possible to enjoy other activities. Several of our group took advantage of a "safari" to a local farm, a river crossing and an enjoyable, relaxing float on a quiet backwater, surrounded by volcanoes and wildlife.
A short ferry ride next day, accompanied by dolphins and cormorants, took us to Chiloe Island, to view the many churches and the unique palafitios, or stilt houses in Castro.
Patagonia: More memories of schoolgirl geography. Incredible change of scenery again. Extremely lucky with the weather here (and in Chile overall). Flight into Punta Arenas very smooth, no wind to make the landing interesting (or not)!!!! Trips here again excellent.
Started day in Punta Arenas with a boat trip to Isla Magdalena to see penguin colonies. Be advised though, this is a very small boat on the Magellan Strait, one of the roughest passages in the world!!! I would definitely recommend some sort of sea-legs although the boat staff do carry a supply of plastic bags!! Patrick has photographic evidence of this! Incredible to get so close to the penguins though. On return, off to Puerto Natales for the National Parks.
Two wonderful trips in this region, everything you imagine from Patagonia (except for bad weather). Both trips full of magnificent scenery: simple words cannot do justice to the views. Torres del Paine and boat trip to the Balmaceda and Serrano glaciers both spectacular with short treks on both days allowing a better appreciation of this part of the world, including being lucky enough to see condors.
Last leg of journey, back to Santiago with a last trip taking us, via the central valley and wine growing region, to the coast to see the cities of Valparaiso and Vina del Mar, very contrasting adjacent cities. Wall art in Valparaiso amazing and, in some places, very thought provoking.
Last day, those of us not going on to Rapa Nui, had a trip to the central market to view the amazing array of fish, before a couple of us volunteered to cook some prepared fish under the watchful eye of the chef, before adding our effort to prepared seafood platters. Not as daunting as the JY brochure made out! Food everywhere was excellent and to a high standard but even snacks are eye-wateringly large.
General Observations:
Brilliant weather throughout, but we were lucky.
Hotels: IN Santiago, reflective of city centre hotels in capital cities; some mixed comments from some in group who had experienced some issues; in other areas, very good to excellent and within easy reach of centres and amenities. In some hotels it was difficult to pay for bar drinks at the time of purchase, as this didn't seem to be normal practice everywhere. This was frustrating, as was the lack of kettles in rooms, but this again seems to ne usual for Chile.
Local tour guides and drivers: All very knowledgeable, friendly and professional.
Excursions: Really varied and worth doing; some aspects of local trips amended after discussion with the whole group to allow for more time in specific places.
This was the first time this trip has run with JY so there were some small adjustments that we all felt would add value. We were able to discuss these with Patrick, with feedback being well received.
1. Less intense first half day in Santiago; other ideas already proposed;
2. Extra night in the Atacama to allow, if feasible, for direct flight to Peurto Montt; would allow for free time in San Pedro to soak up local atmosphere and remove the need for an overnight stop in Santiago;
3. As the programme is, of necessity, so packed, there is minimal free time to be "let loose!" Perhaps extend to 18 nights;
4. On a lighter note, if you are a confirmed shopaholic or "craft collector" buy things as you see them. Not a lot of time for buying good, indigenous souvenirs due to packed programme (will have to return for shopping!)
Walks: Short and manageable, on reasonable trails with marked footpaths.
Clothing: Layers, light trekking shoes in Atacama/Patagonia, trainers/sturdy flat shoes in other places; lightweight dress/skirt to dress up/dress down or for city tours.
Overall, a great trip with a great set of travelling companions.
